Agency managers of rental properties in Wanaka say tenants without job prospects will struggle to find accommodation in a tight market, this winter.
Wanaka Locations rental properties manager Anne Moffat said the resort had two traditional rental markets: long-term tenants and the "winter crowd".
It was taking longer to find tenants for long-term property rentals, but those looking had a greater choice despite a slow-down in inquiries, she said.
Short-term rental inquiries for the winter season were "about on a par" with last year, Mrs Moffat said.
However, gloomy employment prospects for transient short-term tenants were likely to have an effect on the rental markets.
"We like to see evidence of a steady stream of income, or employment, from short-term accommodation seekers," she said.
Ray White Real Estate Wanaka rental property manager Angela Shepherd said there had been a significant increase in people looking for rental accommodation during the winter.
"We've had lots of inquiries during the past two months. It's been particularly hectic this week," she said.
At present, Wanaka had a shortage of available rentals for accommodation-seekers and the Wanaka Ray White franchise office was looking for more rental properties to market, she said.
More than six people a day, mainly travellers, were seeking rental accommodation for the winter period, Ms Shepherd said.
Staff were busy processing application forms from interested tenants who had submitted early to try to secure rental properties.
